The South Sudan National Task Force for COVID-19 has extended partial lockdown for another month effective March 3. The announcement was aired on the state-run radio station SSBC on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

According to the Vice President for Services Cluster and the Chairperson for COVID-19 taskforce, Abdelbagi Ayii Akol said the extension was occasioned by the increase in numbers of infections despite the restrictions.

The country as of date has recorded 4,317 recovered cases, 100 deaths, and the confirmed cases of COVID-19 are 8,414.

All security organs have been directed to enforce the order on partial lockdown with immediate effect.

On February 3, the taskforce announced a partial lockdown and followed it with stringent measures to fight the virus. Some of the measures included closure of bars, shisha joints and places of worship.

The government also ordered the public service vehicles to carry less capacity to ensure social distancing to avoid the spread of the virus.

Rakshas and boda bodas were also ordered to reduce the number of passengers.

The taskforce then formed a COVID-19 Audit Committee to inspect the offices and private premises to ensure adherence to the COVID-19 protocols. The team has already mapped various COVID-19 hotspots for action.